Pubdate: Thu, 10 Jul 2014
Source: Chico News & Review, The (CA)
Copyright: 2014 Chico Community Publishing, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.newsreview.com/chico/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/559

FOLLOW COLORADO

California Can Learn From the Mistakes-and Successes-of Colorado's 
Legalized Marijuana

On Tuesday (July 8), state of Washington residents joined those in 
Colorado in enjoying the legal recreational use of marijuana. It's 
time for California to follow suit.

It's been six months since Coloradans have been able to buy pot in 
retail stores, and some preliminary results are in as far as tax 
revenues and the effect legalization has had on crime rates. Both are 
favorable. News reports reveal Colorado already has collected $11 
million in marijuana sales taxes and expects that number to grow to 
nearly $200 million over the next four years. In addition, in Denver, 
violent crime rates have dropped 10 percent over last year.

This is all good news for Washington, and good news for Californians 
in favor of legalization. Better yet, both states can learn from 
Colorado's mistakes-and its successes. Among the problems reported 
are increases in animals and children falling ill from ingesting 
marijuana. Edibles, too, have posed challenges as to how to test for 
potency and ensure clear labeling.

Washington just last month set new guidelines for pot shops based on 
data from Colorado. We can do the same. If legalization is on the 
ballot this November, we should strongly consider approving it. It 
could be a financial boon to our cash-strapped state while easing 
pressure on our courts and prison system. And, as we all know, 
prohibition only serves to fuel the black market.

This issue is a no-brainer. After all, we don't have to be the guinea 
pigs anymore-we can follow the trails blazed by Colorado and Washington.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom